The toll of mental health struggles, stress, and burnout on the UK economy is staggering. The Centre for Economic and Business estimates that £28bn was lost last year due to poor mental health at work, with 23.3 million working days lost.

These statistics reveal a serious issue for our country and its people and businesses.

As this data is revealed, Paralympian and mental health advocate, Amy Conroy is sharing her own experience to help others speak up when they need help.

Amy Conroy’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Diagnosed with bone cancer at the young age of 13, Amy thought it was the end of her life. Cancer had already claimed the lives of her grandparents, mum and uncle, and she believed it would claim hers too. But Amy’s journey didn’t end there. After losing her leg in the battle against cancer, she discovered wheelchair basketball, a sport that not only gave her a new purpose but also helped her regain her confidence and self-esteem.

Being an above-knee amputee, Amy struggled initially with wheelchair basketball. She was shy and self-conscious, and taking off her prosthetic leg in front of others felt like a daunting task. However, basketball turned out to be a game-changer for her. It was a sport that allowed her to forget her insecurities and feel equal to others. In the world of para-sports, where everyone is on a level playing field, she found the confidence to accept herself and her body.

The AXA Mind Health Study, a survey of 30,000 people aged 18 to 74 from 16 European, Asian, and American countries, found that almost half of the UK population is currently not in a positive state of mental wellbeing.

More than a fifth (21%) of UK adults are in emotional distress, defined by the study as ‘struggling’, and a further quarter (26%) have an absence of positive wellbeing, defined in the study as ‘languishing’.

These figures are having a significant impact on the economy and businesses across the UK.

While there are signs of improvement, with a decline in the stigma associated with mental health conditions and an increase in the number of people ‘flourishing,’ the UK is still struggling. Data from CEBR shows that financial stress and concerns among employees are costing UK businesses up to £6.2bn alone in sick days and lack of productivity.

The issue of burnout and work-related stress has been gaining more attention over the past few years. Public figures such as the former New Zealand Prime Minister have come forward to share their experiences, with one admitting there was “nothing left in the tank”. It’s a powerful statement that highlights the urgency of the problem.

People need to understand when they are beginning to run on empty and take steps to improve their wellbeing before it’s too late. It’s important to learn how to shift the dial and take actions that can help prevent burnout and stress from becoming overwhelming.

Burnout and work-related stress are issues employers need to address to help reduce the impact of stress and burnout at work resulting in absenteeism and presenteeism.

Unfortunately, there is a significant inequality among those struggling with mental health issues too.

Women and young people are experiencing poorer mental health, with women more likely to be suffering from a mental health condition and currently be in a struggling state compared to men. High earners are more likely to experience work stress and low moods, and public sector workers are more likely to experience burnout or work-related stress.